Sep 3, 2007 - 12:24 pm .- After comparing the amount of aid the different European nations provide to families with children, the Institute for Family Policy (IFP) said Spain lags far behind and should urgently increase its aid in order to ensure the country’s demographic future.

Sep 3, 2007 - 10:22 am .- This morning the Vatican woke up to the sad news that a member of its police force, Alessandro Benedetti, aged 26, had been gravely wounded by a gunshot wound to the head.
Benedetti was rushed to Santo Spirito Hospital, where he died from the apparent suicide attempt at around 9:00am.
According to a statement from the Holy See’s press office director, Fr. Fredrico Lombardi, “[a] note found on the scene is currently being studied by Vatican magistrates” while they await the results of an autopsy.

Sep 3, 2007 - 10:22 am .- In preparation for his visit to Austria this coming Friday through Sunday, Pope Benedict XVI wrote to the diocesan papers of Austria. The Holy Father writes that he wishes to address the current-day encounter between the Gospel and modern life in Austria.

Sep 3, 2007 - 10:21 am .- Pope Benedict XVI's general prayer intention for September is: "That the ecumenical assembly of Sibiu in Romania may contribute to the growth of unity among all Christians, for whom the Lord prayed at the Last Supper."

Sep 3, 2007 - 09:25 am .- Brazilian Association of Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals, and Transgender People (ABGLT) is attempting to silence its opponents, especially Christians, with a flurry of lawsuits designed to take advantage of the pro-homosexual atmosphere in the country.

Sep 3, 2007 - 09:19 am .- Archbishop Robert Luckert of Coro and vice president of the Venezuelan Bishops Conference, said last week, “At this moment of so many difficulties, when the democratic constitutionality of the country is at risk, we must accept the invitation” to dialogue. “My own personal advice is this: it should not be a monologue,” he warned.

Sep 3, 2007 - 08:25 am .- Two Episcopal priests, who split from the Episcopal Church over its acceptance of homosexual bishops, have been consecrated bishops for several breakaway congregations by an Anglican archbishop who is renowned for his conservatism. Archbishop Benjamin Nzimbi of Kenya consecrated Bill Atwood of Texas and Bill Murdoch of Massachusetts at a service in Nairobi on Thursday, reported the AFP. The two men vowed to serve the international interests of the Anglican Church of Kenya and of the congregations in North America "under Kenyan jurisdiction."